trader

noun

trad·​er ˈtrā-dər 

1

: a person whose business is buying and selling or barter: such as

a

: merchant

b

: a person who buys and sells (something, such as stocks or commodities futures) in search of short-term profits

2

: a ship engaged in the coastal or foreign trade

Synonyms of trader

• dealer
• merchant
• businessman
• retailer

Examples of trader in a Sentence

She is a stock trader.

early explorers and fur traders

Recent Examples on the Web

Monday followed Friday's quarterly options expiration, which clearly left tactical traders underexposed to a rally driven by Meta and high-beta semiconductors, leading to a mad rush for quick call-option exposure, which could fizzle just as quickly. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

The potential value of those bets, or trades, is set by the marketplace, which changes as traders buy and sell their positions. — Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Sep. 2026

Neither party acted on it; Republicans wanted to avoid embarrassing Trump, while Democrats wanted to avoid embarrassing Nancy Pelosi, whose husband is an active trader. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

On Reddit's WallStreetBets forum, traders share picks for potential get-rich-quick opportunities in day-trading stocks and options. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing trader

• day trader
• free trader

Rhymes for trader

• aider
• fader
• grader
• nadir
• raider
• schrader
• seder
• shader
• crusader
• invader
• persuader

Kids Definition

trader

noun

trad·​er ˈtrād-ər 

1

: a person who trades

2

: a ship engaged in trade